BEDSIDE TEST FOR DIAGNOSIS OF EDEMA FLUID AFTER EXTRADURAL ANESTHESIA

Purpose: To consider and differentiate oedema fluid from other fluids in the performance of epidural block. Clinical features: A patient und erwent placement of an epidural catheter for vaginal delivery of twins . Following a loss of resistance technique using air a small amount of fluid was aspirated through the needle and subsequently through the e pidural catheter. The epidural block and delivery followed uneventfull y. After delivery oedema fluid oozed from the puncture site for a numb er of days. Laboratory investigation revealed that this fluid was of o edematous origin. Bedside determination of alkaline pH by combur10 Tes t M urine stick appeared to be a simple and useful test for distinguis hing the oedema fluid from fluids of other possible sources. Conclusio n: When performing an epidural blockade the return of fluid may be due to oedematous fluid. Differentiation of the pH by a simple bedside te st can aid in the differential diagnosis and prevent unnecessary addit ional attempts at needle repositioning.